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Smokemaster — Smokemaster
(Tonzonen TON067, 2020, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2022-06-26

Smokemaster Cover art

Smokemaster is another entry onto the roster of German heavy psych bands, joining Spacelords, Pyrior, Nazca Space Fox, and others, many with releases on Tonzonen that we’ve reviewed. Their self-titled debut album starts out with “Solar Flares,” a track which takes its time to develop, starting with quiet guitars with clean tones, light drumming, and a touch of organ. About four minutes in, the intensity ramps up and they finish off with three minutes of Gilmour-esque space blues, almost like an outtake from Meddle. Other tracks hit the rock angle harder, like “Trippin’ Blues,” an energetic blast of 70s hard rock that takes after Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. “Ear of the Universe” introduces a harmonica and conga drums to go along with its great riff, then slips into a slower tempo from more Floydian space-jamming. The other tracks present various combinations of these elements, and are generally quite enjoyable. Smokemaster is a solid entry in the field of 70s-inflected hard rock bands, with an appealing mix of psychedelic trippiness and hints of space rock and stoner riffing.

Filed under: New releases, 2020 releases

Related artist(s): Smokemaster

More info
http://smokemaster.bandcamp.com/album/smokemaster

 

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